The Chicago Cubs are focusing on improving their bullpen and bench as the offseason continues, according to Jed Hoyer, the team’s president of baseball operations.
Speaking on the first day of the Cubs’ annual fan convention, Hoyer also mentioned that the team’s opening day third baseman is likely already within the organization. He reiterated that the front office plans to reinvest the money saved from the Cody Bellinger trade into the team’s roster. Hoyer also provided an update on infielder Nico Hoerner, saying he is recovering well from flexor tendon surgery.
The Cubs finished second in the NL Central for the past two seasons, with an 83-79 record both years. The team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020.
One of the biggest struggles for the Cubs in 2024 was their bullpen. The relievers had 35 losses, the fourth-most in the majors, along with 26 blown saves and a 3.81 ERA.
“Just in general, we’re involved in a lot of different relievers,” Hoyer said on Friday. “I think we have tons of lines in the water, I guess I would say, and it’s a little bit of a staring contest at times with all these guys. But there’s a lot of talent out there, and we’ll just look to upgrade the roster however we can.”
The Cubs made moves to improve their roster by trading for outfielder Kyle Tucker from Houston on December 13. They’ve also added Matthew Boyd, Eli Morgan, and Colin Rea to their pitching staff since the end of the season.
In the trade for Tucker, the Cubs gave up Isaac Paredes, and top prospect Matt Shaw is one of the team’s top candidates to take over at third base.
Hoyer is in the final year of his contract with the Cubs, and he chose not to discuss any talks with team chairman Tom Ricketts about his future with the organization.
“I get it, it’s a topic, but it’s not something I’m concerned about,” Hoyer said. “I’m excited about this season.”
Tucker and the Cubs agreed to a $16.5 million, one-year contract ahead of the convention, avoiding a potentially tough arbitration hearing.
Tucker turned 28 on Friday, and the convention crowd sang happy birthday to him. Tucker is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.
When asked about any discussions on a longer contract during the negotiation of his one-year deal, Tucker said, “No, not yet.”
“We’ll see where that leads to a little later,” he added. “But right now, just kind of got through the arbitration process and we’ll see what happens after that.”
